“The popular hide rugs have climbed up onto sofas and chairs and even to tables and consoles. You’ll want to pet the furniture in the months ahead.”

BEJEWELED KITCHENS

Bejeweled Kitchens

Even though the Kitchen has always been an important part of the house, only now designers give it a special attention.

“Kelly Wearstler and Stephen Gambrel are fitting out kitchens with elaborate custom cabinetry painted in rich gemstone colors, and accented with gleaming brass or chrome, all lit by unusual lighting fixtures. And companies such asCaesarstone and Antolini have devised composite surfaces that mimic malachite, agate, and other exotic semi-precious stones, perfect for dramatic countertops and backsplashes.”HONEY-TONE WOODSHoney-Tone Woods

Now there are emerging new design pieces using honey-color woods such as walnut, oak and cherry.